Image via Complex Original
Written by Peter Walsh (@Peter_M_Walsh)
Allen Iverson turns 39 today. Marinate on that. The legend who crossed up Jordan, dropped 50 his rookie year, led the Sixers to the 2001 Finals, stepped over Tyronne Lue, changed the game forver, became a cultural icon, rode the highest of highs, experienced the lowest of lows and gave his heart and soul to the game turns 39 today.
One of the most iconic players in NBA history had an erratic ride when it came to his signature sneaker line with Reebok. Debuting strong with the Reebok Question, then following that up with commendable follow-ups in The Answer sneaker line. There's been a resurgence of A.I.'s kicks as of late as Reebok has re-released the Questions, The Answers, and The Answer IV. Rightfully so, since Iverson singley-handedly made Reebok Basketball hot again in the late '90s and '00s. Here's A Look Back at the Sneakers Worn During Allen Iverson's Best Performances
RELATED: 1 of 1: The Sneakers Worn During Tracy McGrady's 11 Best Performances
Scores 50 Against Cavs In OG Questions
Date: April 12, 1997
Sneaker: Reebok Question
Stats: 50 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists
Iverson all but wrapped up the Rookie Of The Year Award when dropped a smooth 50 on the Cavs towards the end of the '96-'97 NBA season. With minimal tattoss, no cornrows, arm sleeves, and a still-developing attitude, A.I. broke Wilt Chamberlain's rookie record by scoring 40 or more points in four straight games, capping it off with the 50 spot he handed the Cavs.
Crosses Up Michael Jordan In OG Questions
Date: March 12, 1997
Sneaker: Reebok Question
Stats: 37 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists
It's damn near impossible to write about, talk about, compile a list about, or think about Allen Iverson without the image of him sizing up Michael Jordan at the top of the key coming to mind. Not sure what was more impressive, the fact that Iverson shook the GOAT as an NBA rookie or the fact that MJ came within a fingernail of blocking the shot.
Dunks On Marcus Camby In Answer II
Date: April 19, 1998
Sneaker: Reebok The Answer I
Stats: 26 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
Despite standing at right around six feet tall, Allen Iverson was one of the most fearless players to ever play in the NBA. During the final game of the '97-'98 season, A.I. came through with one of the more jaw-dropping moments of a career full of 'em.
After a missed shot, A.I.—wearing a fresh pair of Answer IIs—skied toward the rim, grabbed the ball and banged it on the Raptors center Marcus Camby's head. To add a little insult to injury, Iverson hung on the rim to make sure Camby knew he was there.
Wins 2001 All-Star Game MVP Wearing Red/White Answer IV
Date: February 11, 2001
Sneaker: Reebok Question
Stats: 25 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists
Arguably the greatest All-Star Game of all time ("It was like a championship game out there," said Dikembe Mutombo following the game) saw Allen Iverson out gun Kobe Bryant en route to the game's MVP Award. A.I. scored 15 of his last 25 points in the final nine minutes and led the East back from a 95-74 deficit. 2001 was arguably the best year of Iverson's career.
Scores 54 Points Against The Raptors In Black/White Answer IV
Date: May 9, 2001
Sneaker: Reebok Answer IV
Stats: 54 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
The 2001 Eastern Conference Finals featured an epic seven game series between the Sixers and Raptors. More notably, the series featured an anything you can do, I can do better one-on-one showdown between Vince Carter and Allen Iverson. A.I. scored 19 of his career playoff-high 54 in the fourth quarter to even the series at 1-1. (Not to be outdone, Vinsanity dropped 50 in game three.)
Scores 44 Points Against The Bucks To Lead Sixers To '01 Finals In Black/Grey Answer IV
Date: June 3, 2001
Sneaker: Reebok Answer IV
Stats: 44 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists
Facing familiar foe Ray Allen in a do-or-die Game 7 that would send the winner to the NBA Finals, Allen Iverson brought the ruckus and dropped 44 points to lead his team to the promised land. Wearing an ill black/grey version of the Answer IV, Iverson proved why he was the league's MVP and led the Sixers back to the Finals for the first time in 18 years.
Steps Over Tyronn Lue In Black/White Answer IV
Date: June 6, 2001
Sneaker: Reebok Answer IV
Stats: 48 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists
The Sixers entered the '01 Finals as big-time underdogs against a Lakers team that was riding a 19-game winning streak. But A.I. wasn't going down without a fight. To cap an incredible 48-point, 5-rebound, 6-assist performance and overtime victory, The Answer scored seven-straight overtime points including a crossover and stepback jumper over Tyronn Lue. The Sixers didn't win another game in the Finals but the image of Iverson stepping over Lue in Answer IVs will live on forever.
Scores 55 Points Against Hornets In '03 Playoffs In I3 Playoff II
Date: April 20, 2003
Sneaker: I3 Playoff II
Stats: 55 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists
While the I3 Playoff IIs weren't one of the strongest designs in Iverson's line, it didn't slow The Answer down in the '03 Playoffs. Iverson broke his previous playoff-high of 54 points with 55 to down the Hornets in the opening round. He dropped 20 in the fourth and joined MJ, Rick Barry, Charles Barkley, Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor as the only players to score 55-plus in a playoff game.
Scores 60 Against The Magic In Answer VIIIs
Date: February 12, 2005
Sneaker: Reebok Answer VIII
Stats: 60 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists
A.I. dropped a career-high 60 points wearing one of the hottest sneaker releases of his career. The Answer VIII, which he did not wear for the All-Star Game eight days later, featured a dope "Iverson" sript on the ankle collar and eight-shaped cutouts along the upper of the sneaker. Iverson had a big '05 that saw him win the All-Star Game MVP, be named to the All-NBA First Team and win the NBA scoring title.
Wins 2005 All-Star Game MVP In ATR Pump
Date: February 20, 2005
Sneaker: Reebok ATR Pump
Stats: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists
Playing the role of facilitator and scorer, Iverson led an East roster that included LeBron James, Shaq, Vince Carter, and Jermaine O'Neal to a win for the first time in three years. Instead of wearing the Answer IX Pump, A.I. instead went with a PE of the ATR Pump, which Reebok was pushing on retail shelves at the time.